For Parents

Information Parents Need to Know:

Parents are and should be especially choosy when selecting a facility where their child will receive care while they are working, attending school or dealing with the daily hustle and bustle of life. But how do you measure the quality of a child care program? This is an important question asked by parents, policy makers, providers and funders. 

In Pennsylvania, the state requires programs to be certified. However, certification only indicates that a program complies with basic health and safety standards. Over the years national standards have been developed by child care experts to measure quality in child care centers, head starts, preschools, family day care program and school aged programs.  The standards are tailored to the type of program. 

To find quality, parents can look for programs that go beyond the basic standards and  have achieved  National Accreditation Standards or a Pennsylvania Keystone STARS rating. Both programs require increased professional development of staff members.

There are three major national organizations that accredit programs. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredits full and part time child care centers, pre-schools, head starts and kindergarten programs. The National Association of Family Child Care accredits group and family day care homes. School age programs are accredited by the Nation School Age Care Alliance.

Peg Szczurek, Program Director of DVAEYC, has offered parents a few valuable tips to consider and to put into practice if they are looking to switch or find a child care facility that is right for their child. You should keep both your child's age and developmental stage in mind when visiting a site.  This will help you evaluate the site's potential in meeting your child's needs as he or she develops.

“Look for positive signs of a well-run child development center,” Szczurek said. "Every child is entitled to high quality care and opportunities to learn and grow.” You can find a child care site that promotes your child's learning and growth in many areas. Quality child care doesn’t just happen.  You have to know what to look for, what questions to ask on an interview and how to check references.

The following are some steps to finding quality child care.   Remember, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Take your time in selecting the care option that is best for your family, and then take your time in making your selection.

  • LOOK:  Trust your first impression.  Does the home or center look safe?  Is the environment clean and oriented to children?  Visit more than once and stay as long as you like.  Even after you start using child care, visit often
  • LISTEN:  What does the child care setting sound like?  Do the teachers and children seem to be truly enjoying one another?  If it is too quiet, there may not be enough activity.  Too much noise may mean a lack of control.    
  • COUNT:  Do teacher/child ratios meet or exceed state requirements?  A small number of children per adult is especially important when caring for groups of young children and babies.
  • ASK:  What is the knowledge and experience of the people who will be caring for your child? Will my family's cultural values be respected and incorporated in the curriculum? Is there a staff person present at all times who has been trained in CPR and first aid?  Do teachers communicate regularly with parents?  Are parents encouraged to visit the program?
  • BE INFORMED: Ask your child care provider if they are accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), PA Keystone STARS is another.  Ask your child care provider if they are participating in the STARS program.  If they are not, encourage them to apply for a STAR designation by calling 215-271-1267.